Description
Prior to World War II, Canada’s 5 Cents coin was made of 1.000 nickel. Nickel was important to Canada’s World War II effort, as it is a component in stainless steel and other alloys vital for producing war materiel. In 1942, it was decided to suspend nickel coinage for the duration of the war. An alloy known as tombac was developed to replace nickel in the 5 Cents coin. Tombac is a type of brass made from 88% copper and 12% zinc.
The first tombac 5 Cents coin was made in 1942. It was also the first 12-sided 5 Cents coin, a shape that helped distinguish it from other coins. The reverse features the traditional beaver design. In 1943, a new reverse design was introduced—a torch and a “V” for “victory”—to help promote the war effort. A coded message, “We Win When We Work Willingly,” is inscribed around the rim on the reverse.
Because copper and zinc were also needed for the war, the composition of the 5 Cents coin was changed to steel in 1944 and 1945. These steel coins also feature the torch and “V” design. Nickel coinage returned in 1946 after the war ended.
There are four coins in this set, one from each year from 1942 to 1945. Two are made of tombac and two of steel. The obverse of each coin shows the portrait of King George VI. The collection comes in a custom display with a Certificate of Authenticity.
